PDC World Darts Championships Predictions: Round 1

It’s that time of the year when people dressed as bananas can be seen in the vicinity of the historical building that is Alexandra Palace. It can only mean that the PDC World Darts Championships are here.

In a first attempt at punditry, Yates offers a few thoughts on possible upsets. First round games can sometimes be twitchy, if there are going to be any upsets they’re likely to be in this round.

Being a good Methodist boy Yates knows nothing about betting so take these predictions with a pinch of salt. Please don’t take these tips personally; Chez Yates we have our favourites and we wish them well regardless of what the tips may say.

As Lemmy sang, “It’s all about the game and how you play it”. A raised glass and good luck to everyone taking part.

Michael van Gerwen v Ross Snook/Kim Viljanen – MvG will be looking to make a statement so expect a strong start, maybe a whitewash.

Cristo Reyes v Dimitri Van den Bergh – If Dimitri has learned from his GSOD experiences and can tighten up his finishing this will be a good one.

Stephen Bunting v Darren Webster – Never underestimate a guy who had MvG 6-0 down. Webster to take this.

Simon Whitlock v Boris Koltsov/Dragutin Horvat – Simon should see off either of Boris or Dragutin.

Mensur Suljovic v Ron Meulenkamp – Mensur’s form this year has been excellent. Should see off Meulenkamp.

Mark Webster v Joe Murnan – Webby to beat Shaggy.

Robert Thornton v Zoran Lerchbacher/Simon Stevenson – If Thornton’s not in decent form he could be an early exiter. Going to pick Stevenson to take this if he gets past Lerchenbacher.

Adrian Lewis v Magnus Caris – Stoke v Sweden, Magnus has been around for years but Adrian should be too strong.

Joe Cullen v Qiang Sun/Corey Cadby – Possible upset klaxon? If World Youth Champion Corey Cadby gets to face the Rockstar we could be in for an upset. The lad can play and Joe’s form this year has been good. Should be a belter.

Raymond van Barneveld v Robbie Green – Possible upset klaxon? RvB will need to be at his best to quell Kong.

Alan Norris v John Michael – Chuck should be too strong here.

Phil Taylor v John Bowles/David Platt – Phil to come through without much of a scare.

Jamie Caven v Kevin Painter – This blog has an affinity for folk with the initials KP and likes Old School stuff so we’re backing The Artist.

Kim Huybrechts v James Wilson – Don’t know if Belgium has Jammie Dodgers. They’ll know about them after this. Wilson to edge this one if he doesn’t get too many bounce outs.

James Wade v Ronny Huybrechts – The Machine should be too strong for The Rebel.

Steve Beaton v Devon Petersen – With his silk smooth throw the Bronzed Adonis should see the West Midlands proud.

Michael Smith v Ricky Evans – whatever the result this should be over quickly. Seriously, don’t go to the loo, you’ll miss this one. Michael Smith hasn’t had the best of years so Ricky Evans will be looking to take advantage.

Mervyn King v Steve West – Got to love a Motorhead walk on theme. Mervyn to take this one, might go all the way.

Jamie Lewis v Mick McGowan – Lewis in decent nick, McGowan has periods where his darts flow beautifully and periods where they don’t. Over a short distance McGowan to edge through.

Ian White v Kevin Simm/Gilbert Ulang – Diamond to make it 3 Stokies in the second round.

Gerwyn Price v Jonny Clayton – Gerwyn threw some cracking darts in the GSOD but too many slack ones, some at crucial times, cost him. If Gerwyn can cut down the slack darts he’ll be more than a handful for anyone. Showed a dear friend a pic of Gerwyn and she was most impressed. For her sake I hope he gets a good run 🙂